Ireland

House of RepresentativesSenate

House of Representatives

Oversight

Data on parliament’s oversight role and activities

Oversight tools

Parliament has the power to summon members of the government
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Parliament has the power to summon senior government officials
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
2020 Dáil Standing Order 96
Parliament has the power to approve key government appointments Key government appointments include, for example, ambassadors or the head of the central bank.
Number of written questions asked, per year
68,153
See historical data for this field.
Number of written questions answered by the government, per year
55,688
See historical data for this field.
Notes
Figures reflect the total number of parliamentary questions processed (oral and written) as well as those withdrawn and disallowed. Between 1,000 to 2,000 questions are answered orally each year and orally submitted questions can be answered with a written response.
Percentage of written questions answered by the government, per year The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of written questions answered by the number or questions that were asked.
81.71% See historical data for this field.
Parliament has power to carry out inquiries
Yes
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013.
Number of parliamentary inquiries, per year
0
See historical data for this field.
Notes
Numbers refer to a Joint Committee Inquiry into the Banking Crisis (Nov 2014-January 2016)

Head of State and/or Government

Head of State and/or Government
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of Government Some parliaments elect the Head of Government or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament elects the Head of Government
Notes
The President shall, on the nomination of Dáil Éireann, appoint the Taoiseach, that is, the head of the Government or Prime Minister
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 13
The Head of Government is also the Head of State
No
Parliament’s role
Parliament’s role in the designation of the Head of State Some parliaments designate the Head of State or approve the nomination for the Head of Government. Others do not play a role.
Parliament does not play a role
Notes
The President is directly elected by the people.
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
Constitution, art. 12

Impeachment and confidence motions

Procedure for parliament
There is a procedure for parliament to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution There is a procedure to dismiss or impeach the following persons/institution: Not applicable (there is no procedure); The whole Government; The Head of Government; The Head of State; Individual members of the Executive; Other (please specify)
Not applicable (there is no procedure)
Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that play a role in the dismissal or impeachment: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Not applicable
Impeachment Role
There is a procedure for parliament to express no confidence in the following persons/institution There is a procedure for parliament to express no confidence in the following persons/institution: Not applicable (there is no procedure); The whole Government; The Head of Government; Individual members of the Executive; Other (please specify)
The whole Government
The Head of Government
Individual members of the Executive
Source Legal documents that stipulate parliament's role.
According to the Dáil Standing Orders, the Dáil may pass a motion of censure or ‘no confidence’ in the Taoiseach, government or individual member. In practice, Governments have chosen to resign rather than be defeated on a confidence motion.
Chambers that play a role in motions of no confidence In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that play a role in motions of no confidence: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Lower chamber
Parliament is automatically dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted In some countries, the adoption of a motion of no confidence in the Government automatically leads to the dissolution of Parliament in certain countries. In other cases, a new government can be formed.
Yes
Dissolving chambers
Chambers that can be dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted In bicameral parliaments: Chambers that can be dissolved when a motion of no confidence is adopted: Lower chamber; Upper chamber; Not applicable
Lower chamber
Notes
Constitution, art. 18(9-10)
The Taoiseach (Head of Government) shall resign from office upon ceasing to retain the support of a majority in the Dáil Éireann unless, on his/her advice, the President dissolves the Dáil Éireann and upon its reassembly, the Taoiseach secures the support of a majority in the Dáil Éireann.